VX Racing’s Matt Neal put in stunning performances in today’s fourth, fifth and sixth round of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Rockingham, Northamptonshire, securing his first-ever Vauxhall race win for the Luton-based manufacturer to begin his hunt for the championship title.
Neal had the drive of the day in a race that saw rain sweeping across the 1.94 mile circuit, forcing the BTCC organisers to delay the start by ten minutes. Starting from 11th on the grid, the 41-year-old made impressive progress lap-by-lap in his Vectra VXR, overtaking his rivals to claim the lead from Colin Turkington (BMW) at the end of lap 16 of the 18-lap race.
“There was so much water out there in the third race, it was really difficult to get the car under control,” said Neal, the double BTCC Champion. “I was not able to see what was going on behind me, but I kept in touch with the team and they let me know what was happening.”
Earlier in the day, Birmingham-based Neal clinched his second podium of 2008 for VX Racing in race one following great on-track battles. After a slow start from third on the grid for the second race, Neal found himself in the mid-field fighting for positions and finished the race in 12th.
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed, I’m really happy to win my first race for VX Racing. It was a great weekend for us and I also got another podium position with my third place in race one which was great. I’m feeling confident about the season now and I look forward to race for more victories,” added Neal.
Neal’s next stop will be at his home circuit at Donington Park, where he will arrive holding fourth position in the BTCC Drivers’ standings only 16 points off the lead.
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